Canada restart hunt for new GS after Walker drops out on first day
January 23 – Alyson Walker quit as the new general secretary of the Canadian Soccer Association on Monday, the day she was to start in the position.
News
Italy mourns loss of goalscoring giant Luigi Riva, 79
January 23 – Luigi Riva, Italy’s all-time national team leading goalscorer, has died aged 79.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica will be battling to retain their elite Concacaf status as they compete for one of the two remaining slots at the Copa America 2024 against Honduras at the Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Infantino says it is time for forfeits and criminalisation of racist fans after weekend incidents
January 22 – FIFA president Gianni Infantino has called for the implementation of an automatic forfeit of games for teams whose fans commit racist abuse.
Gabon FA chief still in post despite suspension recommendation, FIFA says case is ongoing
January 22 – FIFA has yet to act on an independent investigator’s recommendation in November that the president of the Gabonese football association (Fegafoot) should be immediately suspended.
Frustration boils over after AFCON favourites Morocco held by Congo
January 22 – World Cup semi-finalists Morocco will have to wait to clinch a place in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations after being held to a 1-1 draw by the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday.
Salah to get treatment in Liverpool but could head back to AFCON if Egypt make semis
January 22 – Mohamed Salah, arguably the highest profile player at the African Cup of Nations, is to return to Liverpool to receive treatment on a hamstring injury.
Goodbye Toulouse, Rouen stun French holders with marathon penalty shootout win
January 22 – French Cup holders Toulouse experienced an unexpected exit as third-tier Rouen triumphed in a dramatic penalty shootout. All 11 players from each team successfully converted their spot-kicks, culminating in a thrilling 23 out of 24 kicks scored.
Skoda plugs-in to women’s game and Chelsea
January 22 – Skoda have announced a partnership with Chelsea FC Women which will see the auto brand become Official Car Partner of the six-time Barclays WSL champions.
Drawing the line. Toney scores controversial free kick on return from ban
January 22 – Nottingham Forest have asked for an explanation from the Premier League over Ivan Toney’s controversial free-kick that helped Brentford to a 3-2 win on Saturday.
Japan, Canada and Brazil join US from Spring edition of SheBelieves Cup
January 22 – The US Soccer Federation has announced that Japan, Canada and Brazil will join them for the ninth edition of this Spring’s SheBelieves Cup.
Honduras
Honduras are a team on the rise and would have been in the Nations League final four if they had held on to their lead in the closing minutes of the quarter final against Mexico, eventually losing on penalties.
FIFA sets February date for unveiling of 2026 World Cup final stadium
July 22 – FIFA has said it will announce the venues for the final of the 2026 World Cup and match schedule for the 2026 World Cup on Sunday February 4.
Cryprus bans all away fans in top two tiers for rest of season
January 22 – The Cyprus Football Federation (KOP) has banned all away fans from matches in the first and second tiers of Cypriot football, as well as matches in the Cyprus Cup.
Canada
Having thrown away their quarter final lead against Jamaica and then losing on penalties, Canada missed out on the CNL final four and now have a single match play-in against Trinidad and Tobago for qualification to the Copa America 2024, which will be played in the US with six Concacaf guests.